Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook this chicken in a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat, or bake it in the oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this marinade and are actually more forgiving on the grill. They'll need about the same cooking time but stay juicier.

Is it possible to marinate the chicken too long?

Yes, because of the acidic lemon juice, I don't recommend marinating longer than 8 hours as the acid can start breaking down the protein too much, resulting in a mushy texture.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely! The marinade can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.

Simple Grilled Chicken Recipe

Name: Simple Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3–4 cloves minced garlic; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

This juicy, flavor-packed Simple Grilled Chicken Recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal with just a handful of pantry staples. The Mediterranean-inspired marinade infuses the meat with bright, aromatic flavors, while the grill adds that irresistible smoky char. Ready in just 20 minutes of active time, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep work, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Versatile: This chicken works as a main dish, sliced over salads, stuffed in sandwiches, or chopped in pasta – it’s the culinary equivalent of a little black dress.
Foolproof: Even if you’re new to grilling, this recipe’s straightforward approach ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Meal Prep Hero: Make a double batch and enjoy delicious protein-packed meals throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lemon Juice: Provides brightness and helps tenderize the chicken while adding a fresh, zesty flavor.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for its rich flavor; it helps the herbs adhere to the chicken and prevents sticking to the grill.
Dried Basil: Adds a sweet, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
Dried Oregano: Brings that distinctive Mediterranean flavor profile that makes this chicken sing.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and ensuring the chicken isn’t bland.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to balance the bright lemon and herbs.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic punch – don’t skimp here!
Chicken Breasts: The canvas for our flavor masterpiece. Try to choose breasts of similar thickness for even cooking.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious twists:

Herb Swap: Replace basil and oregano with rosemary and thyme for a different flavor profile.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Citrus Change: Substitute lime juice for lemon and add a bit of cilantro and cumin for a Mexican-inspired version.
Sweet Heat: Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

How to Make Simple Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and minced garlic until well combined. This aromatic mixture is your flavor foundation.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, let it marinate for up to 8 hours.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare

Heat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the hot grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The exterior should have beautiful grill marks and a slightly charred appearance.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

This step is crucial! Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Thickness: For evenly cooked chicken, pound thicker parts of the breasts to uniform thickness before marinating.
Room Temperature Start: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before grilling to ensure more even cooking.
Don’t Over-Flip: Let the chicken cook undisturbed until it’s time to flip. Too much movement prevents those beautiful grill marks from forming.
Use a Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken is using an instant-read thermometer to check for that magic 165°F internal temperature.
Clean Grill: Always start with clean, oiled grates to prevent sticking and get those perfect grill marks.

How to Serve

This versatile grilled chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides and can be used in numerous ways:

As a Main Dish:

Serve with a side of roasted vegetables and quinoa or rice for a complete, healthy meal.

In Salads:

Slice and add to a Greek salad with feta, cucumbers, and tomatoes, or on top of a Caesar salad for added protein.

In Sandwiches:

Layer in a sandwich with avocado, bacon, lettuce, and tomato for an upgraded BLT experience.

With Pasta:

Slice and toss with pasta, cherry tomatoes, and pesto for a quick weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep and actually develops even more flavor overnight!

Freezing

This chicken freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken:

Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Oven: Wrap in foil and warm at 325°F for about 15 minutes.
Skillet: Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet, add the chicken, cover and heat on low until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook this chicken in a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat, or bake it in the oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this marinade and are actually more forgiving on the grill. They’ll need about the same cooking time but stay juicier.
Is it possible to marinate the chicken too long?

Yes, because of the acidic lemon juice, I don’t recommend marinating longer than 8 hours as the acid can start breaking down the protein too much, resulting in a mushy texture.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely! The marinade can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Grilled Chicken Recipe proves that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. It’s the perfect starting point for countless meals, from quick weeknight dinners to casual weekend gatherings. The bright lemon-herb marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special, while the grill adds that unmistakable char that we all crave. Give this recipe a try next time you’re looking for a reliable, delicious chicken dish that delivers big on flavor without demanding much of your time!